The McGruff House program began nationally in 1982. Places displaying the McGruff House signs were designated as safe places children could go if they needed help.

LPD has sent letters to the 93 active McGruff House participants in Lincoln advising them to return the McGruff House window signs to the LPD or destroy them in a way that makes them unusable. Letters also were sent to Lincoln public and private elementary schools, asking them to discontinue encouraging children to seek safety at homes with the McGruff House signs. LPD cannot endorse homes displaying the signs in the future.

Although the McGruff House program is being discontinued, the McGruff crime dog will continue to be used in public service announcements and campaigns.

"We appreciate the longstanding commitment that many of these volunteers have provided to the community," said Police Chief Jim Peschong. "They have displayed a passion for making neighborhoods safer, protecting children from harm, and reducing crime in our community."